“Spolli is a good man, so I think it must’ve been a misunderstanding,” De Canio told Sky Sport Italia.

Television stations in Italy are going over video footage in a bid to find out what Spolli said to Balotelli during that clash. If racist abuse is proved, the Argentine defender faces up to a 10-match ban.

“It was a balanced game and we made a mistake on the second goal, then the PanagiotisTachtsidis red card turned things in Milan’s favour.

“We tried to get back into it anyway, but Kaka’s goal really ended the match. Of course we can never be satisfied when the results don’t come, but the performance was good.

“Milan managed to make the most of our mistakes, but this sort of reaction will lead to good results.”

Catania are bottom of the table and De Canio was asked whether he felt at risk, having already replaced Rolando Maran.

“I feel relaxed, as I arrived in this situation with many absentees. We faced teams of a very high level. Any decision the club makes, I am calm.”